JON CARDINELLI picks a South African XV based on performances in the sixth round of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.
All four South African teams were in action this past weekend. The Stormers and Vodacom Bulls went down to New Zealand opposition, while the Lions and Sharks beat the Sunwolves and Rebels respectively.
The Lions forwards set the platform for a convincing bonus-point victory in Singapore. Captain Malcolm Marx was outstanding at the set pieces and breakdowns, and credit must go to Marvin Orie for his expert marshalling of that formidable Lions maul.
Nic Groom and Elton Jantjies took some good options behind a dominant pack. Lionel Mapoe, Tyrone Green, Courtnall Skosan and Wandisile Simelane impressed with ball in hand – although the latter was outshone by Jesse Kriel, one of the few star performers for the Bulls in the heavy defeat to the Chiefs.
Dan du Preez produced an influential showing at the gainline and lineout. The Sharks scrum also managed to put the Rebels set piece under pressure.
While the Stormers were found wanting in several departments, a couple of individuals put in a big shift. Pieter-Steph du Toit made 30 tackles in Wellington. Jaco Coetzee, who was only on the park for a total of 35 minutes, made an impact with his 11 tackles, as well as the aggressive carry that earned the visitors a try.
SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (ROUND 6)
15. Tyrone Green (Lions)
14. Sbu Nkosi (Sharks)
13. Jesse Kriel (Bulls)
12. Lionel Mapoe (Lions)
11. Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks)
10. Elton Jantjies (Lions)
9. Nic Groom (Lions)
8. Dan du Preez (Sharks)
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers)
6. Jaco Coetzee (Stormers)
5. Marvin Orie (Lions)
4. Rhyno Herbst (Lions)
3. Coenie Oosthuizen (Sharks)
2. Malcolm Marx (Lions)
1. Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks)
ALSO READ: Five takeaways from past weekend
SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (ROUND 5)*
15. Tyrone Green (Lions)
14. Andries Coetzee (Lions)
13. Lionel Mapoe (Lions)
12. Wandisile Simelane (Lions)
11. Courtnall Skosan (Lions)
10. Jean-Luc du Plessis (Stormers)
9. Herschel Jantjies (Stormers)
8. Kwagga Smith (Lions)
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers)
6. Siya Kolisi (Stormers)
5. JD Schickerling (Stormers)
4. Ruan Vermaak (Lions)
3. Carlu Sadie (Lions)
2. Malcolm Marx (Lions)
1. Steven Kitshoff (Stormers)
* The Sharks and Bulls had a bye in round five
Photo: Paul Miller/EPA
